Château Trianon Saint-Émilion Grand Cru

Château Trianon Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2018 is a red Bordeaux led by 78% Merlot, with Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and a little Carmenere. It comes from 14.5 hectares of clay, sand and red gravel, with vines averaging 35 years. After hand-picking and careful sorting, it ages 16 months in barrel, 70% of them new. Expect red and black cherry, rose petals and pepper, with a silky, layered palate. Decant it before dinner. Delivered across Ontario.

The producer

Château Trianon is a Saint-Émilion estate whose vineyard dates back to the 17th century. It is owned by Dominique Hébrard and Financière Immobilière Bordelaise.

The vineyards

14.5 hectares of clay and sandy soils over iron-rich subsoil and red gravel, planted at 6,000 to 7,200 vines per hectare. The vines average 35 years old, yield 36 hl per hectare and are picked entirely by hand into crates. The blend is Merlot 78%, Cabernet Franc 14%, Cabernet Sauvignon 5% and Carmenere 3%.

How it's made

The grapes arrive by gravity and pass over vibrating and sorting tables, then have a cold soak at 12 to 15°C. Each plot ferments separately in concrete and steel vats, extracted gently, followed by a warm maceration at 28 to 30°C. Malolactic takes place in new barrels and vats, and the wine ages 16 months in barrel, 70% new and 30% used once.

How it tastes

The nose brings ripe red and black cherry, rose petals, plum and black pepper. The palate is silky and layered, with licorice, spice and chocolate, and tannins that sit easily with the acidity.

How to serve it

Serve at 17 to 18°C with roast lamb, duck or beef. Decant it first.